Dempsey: Bonds, Criminal Code Not Likely This Year

JEFFERSON CITY - The top lawmaker in the Missouri Senate says there will be no vote this year on a revision of the state's criminal laws or a $1.2 billion bonding program.

Both measures already passed the House. But Senate President Pro Tem Tom Dempsey says they are too complex to bring up with just a few days remaining before Friday's mandatory adjournment for the 2013 session.

Dempsey said Monday senators want more time to read the roughly 1,100-page overhaul of Missouri's criminal laws so they don't inadvertently repeal something they want to keep on the books.

He says lawmakers also could further study the bonding proposal for public buildings before it goes on the 2014 ballot.

Dempsey says both measures may be priorities when lawmakers return to work next January.